Water bike with inflatable front deck

ABSTRACT

A water bike has a frame supported on first and second spaced apart pontoons. Pedals are attached to cranks on a front sprocket rotatably supported on the frame. A chain or belt extends around the front sprocket and around a rear sprocket on a gearbox. An outdrive is supported on the gearbox and pivotal about a vertical axis relative to the gearbox. The combined outdrive and gearbox are pivotable about a horizontal axis relative to the frame. A propeller on the outdrive is mechanically linked to a first gear in the gearbox, with the first gear meshing with a second gear attached to the rear sprocket. A steering linkage connects a steering bar to the outdrive, for pivoting the outdrive to steer the water bike. An inflatable deck is attached to the first and second pontoons.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/593,115, filed May 11, 2017 and now pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/757,841, filed Dec. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,650,109, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/096,205, filed Dec. 23, 2014, now expired. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is water bikes and related water craft powered via pedaling. Various water bikes have been proposed in the past. Generally, these types of water bikes have a bicycle style frame or a recumbent seat supported on pontoons. Pedals on the frame are linked to a propeller via a drive line. Although these designs have met with varying degrees of success, improved water bike designs are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a water bike has a frame supported on one or more floatation elements, such as first and second spaced apart pontoons or similar floatation elements. Pedals are attached to cranks on a front sprocket rotatably supported on the frame. A chain or belt extends around the front sprocket and around a rear sprocket at a gearbox. An outdrive is supported on the gearbox and pivotable about a vertical axis relative to the gearbox for steering the water bike. A propeller on the outdrive is mechanically linked to a first gear in the gearbox, with the first gear meshing with a second gear attached to the rear sprocket. A steering bar is pivotally attached to the frame. A steering linkage connects the steering bar to the outdrive, for pivoting the outdrive to steer the water bike.

In another aspect, a water bike has an inflatable deck that can be attached to the pontoons to provide area for carrying passengers or luggage and accessories on the water bike, and/or to provide an area for sitting, sunbathing, etc. The inflatable deck may be attached to the pontoons using bungee cords or similar devices. Optionally the inflatable deck may be positioned in front of the rider on the water bike.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a water bike.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the water bike of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view.

FIG. 4 is a side view.

FIG. 5 is another side view shown with elements removed for purpose of illustration, and with the outdrive in a down position.

FIG. 6 is the same view as in FIG. 5 but with the outdrive in an up position.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the right outdrive shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the left outdrive a mirror image of the right outdrive.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the outdrive shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear phantom view of the outdrive of FIG. 7 showing internal components.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front and top perspective view of the outdrive plate and axle hub shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is front, top and right side perspective view of the propeller end of the outdrive shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the water bike shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the water bike shown in FIG. 12 with the outdrive in a full down position.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the water bike shown in FIG. 12 with the outdrive in a partial up or shallow water position.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the water bike shown in FIG. 12 with the outdrive in a full up position for storage or transport.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the drive line of the water bike shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the water bike as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is a top view showing the steering system of the water bike of FIG. 12 is a right turn position.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the outdrive shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the gearbox shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the gearbox as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the gearbox shown in FIG. 22 with components removed for purpose of illustration.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a modification of the water bike of FIG. 12 for use by two riders.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an inflatable deck on any of the water bikes shown in the Figures listed above.

FIGS. 26A-26C are perspective views of installation of the back straps of the front deck.

FIGS. 27A-27C are perspective views of installation of the bottom straps of the front deck.

FIGS. 28A-28C are perspective views of securing the front and bottom straps of the front deck.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are perspective views of securing the back straps of the front deck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-11 show a first embodiment and FIGS. 12-24 show a second embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a water bike 20 has one or more floatation elements such as a hull or pontoons. The example shown has two pontoons 22 connected via cross beams 24. The cross beams 24 may optionally be detached from the pontoons 22 via fittings 42, to facilitate transportation and storage of the water bike 20. A frame 26 is centrally supported between the pontoons 22 on the cross beams 24. The frame 26 may be described as having a top section 28, a riser 30 and a drive section 32. A seat 36 is attached to the frame, on the top section 28 or on the riser 30.

A handle bar 34 may be pivotally attached to a front end of the top section 28, to provide support for the rider, and a steering function as described below. Pedals 40 on cranks 38 on the frame 26 are mechanically linked to a drive line generally designated 44. The drive line 44 includes a drive multiplier which drives the propellers several times faster than the cranks 38. The drive multiplier may use gearing and/or belts and sprockets. The frame 26 may be dimensioned and the handle bar 34, the seat 36 and the pedals 40 positioned, to simulate a bicycle. The frame 26 may be a hollow weldment or molded structure.

Turning to FIGS. 4-6, left and right outdrives 50 are attached to left and right sides of the frame 26, optionally towards the back end of the drive section 32. Each outdrive is pivotable from a down position shown in FIG. 5, to an up position shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 5 shows the outdrive positions for the water bike 20 in use, while FIG. 6 shows the outdrive positions during dry transport or storage of the water bike 20, or as may be needed to clear underwater obstacles.

In use, thrust of the propellers holds the outdrives 50 in the down position. Consequently, the water bike 20 can operate without any latching or locking device to hold the outdrives 50 in the down position. However, a latching device may optionally be used for this purpose. In this case, a release line may run from the frame 26 or handle bar 34 to a latch release lever associated with the outdrive plate 54, to allow the user allow the outdrives 50 to move from the down to the up position.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show the right outdrive 50. The left outdrive may be a mirror image of the right outdrive so that the description of the right outdrive below also describes the left outdrive. Consequently, references to outdrive refer to either the right outdrive, or the left outdrive, or both. The outdrive 50 may include a outdrive fin 56 attached to a outdrive tube 58. As shown in FIG. 10, an outdrive plate 54 may be attached to an axle hub 80 at the top or front end of the outdrive 50. The outdrive plate 54 is used to attach the outdrive 50 to the frame 26, and to allow the outdrive 50 to move into the up and down positions as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The outdrive plate 54 may have slotted holes 82 for this purpose, with bolts passing through the holes 82 threaded into the frame 26.

As shown in FIG. 11 at the back or bottom end of the outdrive 50, a prop tube 60 is pivotally attached to an end of the outdrive tube 58, or an end stub 68 attached to the outdrive tube 58, via pivot pins 66. Consequently, the prop tube 60 can pivot left to right relative to the outdrive 50 to provide steering. A propeller 52 is rotatably attached onto the back end of the prop tube 60. A propeller shaft connects the propeller 52 to the back of a universal joint 72 within the prop tube 60. The front of the universal joint 72 is attached to a drive cable 74 extending out of the back end of the outdrive tube 58 and through the end stub 68.

The drive cable may typically be an 8-12 or 10-15 mm diameter wound wire cable. A recess 62 is provided in the side walls of the end stub 68 to provide side-to-side clearance for pivoting movement of the prop tube 60. A cable bearing 76 may be provided at the back end of the outdrive tube 58, or in the end stub 68 (if used) to align and support the drive cable 74, and optionally to seal water out of the outdrive tube 58. As shown in FIG. 7, a cable bearing 76 may also be provided in the axle hub 80. In this case, the ends of the drive cable 74 are centrally secured in place within the outdrive tube 58, while the central portion of the drive cable 74 may be free to move radially within the outdrive tube 58.

A pulley 64 may be attached to the top end of the upper pivot pin 66. A steering wire 72 on the pulley 64 runs through the fin 56 to the top end of the outdrive 50, and is connected directly or indirectly to the handle bar 34. Turning the handle bar 34 correspondingly turns the prop tube 60 to steer the water bike 20.

As shown in FIG. 8, an axle 78 is attached to the top or front end of the drive cable 74. The axle 78 is attached to a rear sprocket 48, with a chain or belt extending around the front and rear sprockets. The propeller axis PP is perpendicular to the axle axis AX. The drive cable 74 makes a smooth curving 90 degree transition without using gears, in this embodiment. In a modified design, the drive cable 74 may be replaced by right angle gearing. In this design no vane or cable is used. Rather, the rear sprocket drives a gear on a vertical shaft which in turn drives a horizontal shaft on which the propeller in mounted. The vertical shaft and the horizontal shaft are contained in housing which replaces the outdrive.

In use, a rider may sit on the seat 36 and pedal to actuate the drive line. Rotation of the cranks 38 turns a front gear or sprocket 46, which is multiplied via the drive line 44 to cause the drive cables 74 to rotate five to ten times faster than the front sprocket 46. Thus, for example, with the rider pedaling at a 60 rpm cadence, the drive cables 74 and propellers 52 are driven at 480 rpm. The propellers may be designed for human power, with an output of about 300 to 1500 watts, and with propulsion speeds of 1 to 3 meters per second. By positioning a universal joint at the output end of the shaft, on which a propeller can be coupled, a steering control system can be made integral to the assembly such that the steering control mechanism does not otherwise impede water flow.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, left and right outdrives are used. The design elements used in FIGS. 1-11 may also be used on a water bike having a single outdrive. Turning to FIGS. 12-21, a second embodiment having a single outdrive and other features is shown. Except as otherwise described below, the elements of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 described above may be used as well in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-21. The elements of the embodiment of FIGS. 12-21 may similarly be used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11.

As shown in FIGS. 12-14, a second embodiment of a water bike 100 has a drive line generally designated by 102. The drive line 102 includes pedals 40 on cranks 38 attached to a front sprocket 46. A chain or belt 70 extends around the front sprocket 46 and around a rear sprocket 48 alongside of a gear box 106. A single outdrive 110 is supported on the gear box 106. FIGS. 12-14 shown the outdrive 110 in a full down position, for ordinary use. In this position, the axis of the propeller 112 is below the centerline of the pontoons 22 by dimension DD, typically about 50 to 75 cm. FIG. 15 shows the outdrive 110 partially raised, for use in shallow water. FIG. 16 shows the outdrive 110 in a full up position for storage or transport position.

FIG. 17 shows the frame 26 of the water bike 100 separated from the pontoons 22. The fin 114 at the bottom of the outdrive 110 extends slightly below the propeller 112 and protects the propeller from impact damage. FIG. 18 shown relative dimensions of the water bike 100 with dimension HH from the propeller axis to the handle bar typically about 150 to 215 cm, and the effective skeg length SS of about 10 to 20 cm.

As shown in FIG. 20, the outdrive 110 includes a cable housing 122 within a outdrive housing 120. The cable housing 122 may be a rigid curved tube, with the upper end of the cable housing 122 attached to a steering collar 124, and the lower end of the cable housing 122 attached to a centering tube 126, to hold the cable housing 122 in place within the outdrive housing 120. The propeller 112 is attached to a propeller collar 132 at the lower end of a propeller cable 130 extending through the cable housing 122. A gear collar 128 is attached to the upper end of the propeller cable 130.

The outdrive 110 may be manufactured as a molded composite fin structure around a bent tube. The outdrive housing 120 has a width generally of 25 to 50 mm so that drag is reduced. The narrow width of the outdrive housing 120, together with the propeller 112 having two blades, also allows the outdrive 110 to be separately shipped and stored in a compact space.

Referring to FIG. 21, the gearbox 106, in the example shown, has a bearing plate 148 and a pinion housing 150 bolted onto a main housing 146. The gearbox 106 is pivotally supported on and between a left mounting plate 142 and a right mounting plate 144, with the left and right mounting plates rigidly attached to the frame 26. As shown in FIG. 23, a spiral sprocket gear 136 inside the main housing 146 is rigidly attached to an axle 152 which extends through a bearing 156 and the bearing plate 148, and out of the gearbox 106, and through the right mounting plate 144. Referring also now to FIG. 22, the rear sprocket 48 is rigidly attached to the axle 152, outside of the gearbox 106.

A clutch plate 158 may be provided between the bearing plate and the right mounting plate 144, to select a desired amount of friction between them, which determine the amount of force needed to pivot the outdrive 110 from the down position shown in FIG. 17, to the up position shown in FIG. 16, or to otherwise pivot the outdrive up upon impact with a floating or submerged object. The clutch plate 158, if used, may be adjustable. The gearbox 106 may be sealed and permanently lubricated.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the steering collar 124 at the upper end of the outdrive housing 120 is attached to, or engages, a steering pulley 138, optionally via collar tabs 160 inserted into slots in the steering pulley 138. The steering pulley 138 is pivotally attached onto the pinion housing 150 shown on the bottom of the gear box 106.

Steering cables 140 are attached to the steering pulley 138 and extend up via guides and idler rollers on the frame to a post supporting the handle bar 34. Rotating the handle bar 34 to the left or right correspondingly rotates the steering pulley 138, and the outdrive 110 to effect steering of the water bike 20 or 100, by rotating the entire outdrive 110 about the vertical axis VA, shown in FIG. 23. The steering collar 124 may also optionally be attached to a support collar rotatably supported on the pinion housing 150 (for example via a quick release pin), so that the weight and other forces acting on the outdrive are carried by the pinion housing 150 and largely not by the steering pulley 138. In this design, the steering pulley 138 acts only to apply torque to rotate the outdrive 110 for steering, without the need for also structurally supporting the outdrive 110.

The outdrive 110 along with the gearbox 106 is pivotable about the horizontal axis HA shown in FIG. 21 from the down position shown in FIG. 12 to the up position shown in FIG. 16, as well as into any intermediate positions, such as the shallow water position shown in FIG. 15. The back ends of the steering cables 140 may be formed into loops, as shown in FIG. 12, to avoid interfering with this pivoting movement of the gearbox 106. The steering cables 140 may optionally be replaced by hydraulic lines.

As shown in FIG. 23, the gear collar 128 is attached or fitted into the lower end of a pinion shaft 154. A pinion or spiral bevel gear 134 on the upper end of the pinion shaft 154 meshes with a spiral sprocket gear 136.

In use, as the rider moves the pedals, the front sprocket 46 rotates and drives the rear sprocket 48 via the belt 70. The rear sprocket 48 drives the sprocket gear 136 which in turn drives the pinion gear 134. The pinion gear 134 drives the pinion shaft 154, the gear collar 128, the propeller cable 130, and the propeller 112. The gear box 106 may be sealed from the outside environment and lubricated for life. In the example shown, the front/rear sprocket ratio is 1:2.5, and the sprocket gear/pinion gear ratio is 1:3, so that one revolution of the front sprocket 46 turns the propeller through 7.5 revolutions.

The rider steers the water bike 20 or 100 by rotating the handle bar 34, similar to a conventional land bicycle. Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-24, the axis PP of the propeller 112 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 17) is fixed relative to the outdrive 110, and the entire outdrive 110 pivots to effect steering, as shown in FIG. 19. Hence, the outdrive acts as a rudder to assist in steering, in addition to providing the vectored thrust of the propeller 112.

Unlike rudder-based designs, the outdrive 110 allows for steering even if the water bike is not moving. It also allows the water bike 100 to turn in a circle within the length of the water bike 100. The outdrive 110 also allows the rider to hold the water bike 100 up against a dock or boat, by steering to a 90 degree position while continuing to pedal. The outdrive 110 may optionally also be steerable+/−180 degrees to allow the water bike 100 to move in a reverse direction. Generally, if the rider pedals in reverse with moderate effort and the clutch plate 158 is properly adjusted, the outdrive 110 and gear box 106 will pivot up, allowing the water bike to move onto a beach with little or no contact between the skeg and the bottom. Correspondingly, even with the propeller partially submerged, pedaling forward will cause the outdrive and gearbox to pivot into the full down position shown in FIG. 12. The clutch plate 158 may be adjusted to a higher holding force to allow forceful reverse movement of the water bike, if desired.

The outdrive 110 may optionally be used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-11. The sprockets and chain described may be replaced with pulleys or cogs and belts or cables, and vice versa.

The water bike 100 may be assembled and dis-assembled without using tools via push buttons on the cross beams 24 and a quick release pin on the outdrive 110. The outdrive 110 may optionally stay attached to the water bike 100 for transport. The gearbox 106 and outdrive 110 may also be used in other types of water craft, such as single hull water craft, as the pontoons are described only as an example.

As shown in FIG. 24, the water bike 20 or 100 may be modular and allow for quick assembly and dis-assembly, as well as for providing two frames 26 and outdrives 110 on a single water bike. As shown in FIG. 21, the frames 26 may be provided with front and rear frame tubes 162. The cross beams 24 may be provided as tube sections extending through or locked into the frame tubes 162, optionally via quick release spring biased pin locks 164. The single frame design shown in FIG. 12 can then be quickly changed over to the two frame design shown in FIG. 24. A center pontoon or other floatation element may be attached to the cross beams 24 between the two frames. As described here, supported on or attached to means supported or attached directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate elements), and attached directly or indirectly.

As shown in FIG. 25, an inflatable deck 200 may optionally be used with the water bike. Side boards 198 may also be attached to the cross beams 24 on opposite sides of the frame 26, to make it easier to get on an off of the seat 36. The deck 200 may generally have a length equal to the width of the water bike, typically about 120 to 240 centimeters. The width of the deck 200 may vary from 60 to 180 centimeters. The height of the deck is generally 10 to 20 centimeters. The deck 200 may be made of synthetic rubber, (such as neoprene and equivalents, or plastic polymers (PVC or urethane). The deck 200 may be the same material as the pontoons 22. When not in use the deck 200 may be deflated and folded or rolled up into a compact form for storage or transport. In use, the deck 200 is preferably inflated to a pressure sufficient to avoid buckling under load at the center of the deck, for example with a passenger (e.g., 70 kg) seated on the deck 200, the deck is to inflated with air to a pressure of about 70 to 140 kPa. An inflation valve 202 is provided on the deck 200 to allow for inflation.

As shown in FIG. 25, the inflatable deck may be attached to the water bike in front of the frame and seat 26. Alternatively, the deck 200, or a second deck, may be attached to the water bike behind the seat. As shown in FIGS. 27A-29B, the deck 200 may be attached using two long elastic straps 210 and two short elastic straps 212 looped through D-rings on the deck 200 and on the pontoons. Turning to FIGS. 27A-27C, in one attachment option, the deck 200 is first inflated. With the deck upside down, the loop 214 of a short strap 212 is fed through a deck D-ring 204 on each of the left and right sides at a front end of the deck 200. The loop 214 is threaded through itself and pulled tight as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C.

Turing to FIGS. 28A-28C, the deck 200 is then placed onto the water bike. The loop 216 of each short strap 212 is fed through a pontoon D-ring 206 on each of the left and right side pontoons 22. The loop 214 is pulled up and placed over the ball 214 as shown in FIGS. 28B and 28C. This secures the front of the deck 200 onto the pontoons 22. Each deck D-ring 204 and each pontoon D-ring 206 may be attached to the deck 200 and pontoons 22, respectively, via ring bases 208 using known techniques.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 29A and 29B, the back end of the deck 200 is attached to the front cross beam 24 via left and right side long straps 210. The loop 216 of each long strap is fed through deck D-rings 204 adjacent the back top corners of the deck 200 and around the front cross beam 24. The loop 216 is pulled up and over the ball 214 and snaps into place, securing the back end of the deck 200 to the water bike. The inflatable deck may optionally be attached to the water bike using other techniques, such as with clamps, fittings or fasteners. In some designs the deck may also be permanently attached to one or more parts of the water bike. The inflatable deck 200 may optionally be divided into separate cells, with each cell having an inflation valve, to allow different parts of the deck to be inflated to different air pressures. The inflatable deck may optionally be made of a transparent or translucent material. Allow entirely hollow designs are often preferred, the inflatable deck may optionally contain one or more foam material inserts, to provide a nominal amount of cushioning, even when deflated, and while still allowing the inflatable deck to be compactly folded or rolled up when deflated and not in use.

Thus, novel inventions have been shown and described. Various changes and substitutions may of course be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. The inventions, therefore, should not be limited, except by the following claims, and their equivalents. 

1. A water bike comprising: first and second pontoons; a frame supported on the pontoons; a steering bar pivotally attached to the frame; pedals attached to a front sprocket rotatably supported on the frame; a chain or belt extending around the front sprocket and around a rear sprocket; a propeller on an outdrive mechanically linked to a gearbox, the outdrive pivotal relative to the gearbox; a steering linkage connecting the steering bar to the outdrive, for pivoting the outdrive to steer the water bike; and an inflatable deck attached to the first and second pontoons.
 2. The water bike of claim 1 with the inflatable deck between the frame and a front end of the first and second pontoons.
 3. The water bike of claim 1 with the inflatable deck removably attached to the first and second pontoons via straps.
 4. The water bike of claim 3 with one or more of the straps comprising an elastic loop attached to a ball.
 5. The water bike of claim 4 with one or more of the loops extending through a deck D-ring on the deck and a pontoon D-ring on the first or second pontoon.
 6. The water bike of claim 2 with a long axis of the inflatable deck perpendicular to a long axis of the first pontoon, and with the first pontoon parallel to the second pontoon.
 7. A water bike comprising: first and second spaced apart pontoons; front and rear cross members attached to the first and second pontoons; a frame supported on the front and rear cross beams, with the frame having a horizontal drive section supported on the front and rear cross beams, a riser joined to the drive section and a horizontal top section joined to the riser; a steering bar pivotally attached to a front end of the horizontal top section of the frame; pedals attached to a pedal shaft extending through the riser; a first sprocket attached to the pedal shaft; a gearbox at a back end of the horizontal drive section of the frame, with the gearbox including a sprocket gear, a cable gear engaged with the sprocket gear, and a second sprocket attached to the sprocket gear; a chain or belt extending around the first sprocket and the second sprocket; a steering pulley pivotally attached to the gearbox; an outdrive engaged with the steering pulley, with the outdrive including a fin-shaped outdrive housing, a tubular cable housing within the outdrive housing, a flexible propeller cable within the tubular cable housing, a propeller attached to a lower end of the propeller cable and the cable gear attached to an upper end of the propeller cable; a steering linkage connecting the steering bar to the steering pulley, for pivoting the outdrive to steer the water bike, with the fin-shaped outdrive housing acting as a rudder to assist steering of the water bike; and an inflatable deck attached to the first and second pontoons.
 8. The water bike of claim 7 with the inflatable deck between the front cross beam and a front end of the first and second pontoons.
 9. The water bike of claim 8 with a front end of the inflatable deck removably attached to the first and second pontoons via first and second front straps, and with a back end of the inflatable deck removably attached to the front cross beam via first and second rear straps.
 10. The water bike of claim 9 with one or more of the straps comprising an elastic loop attached to a ball.
 11. The water bike of claim 10 with one or more of the loops of the front straps extending through a deck D-ring on the deck and a pontoon D-ring on the first or second pontoon.
 12. The water bike of claim 8 with a long axis of the inflatable deck perpendicular to a long axis of the first pontoon, and with the first pontoon parallel to the second pontoon. 